Punjab PCS Syllabus- Prelims & Mains, PDF

The Punjab PCS examination conducted by the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) is one of the most prestigious exams in Punjab. Aspirants preparing for Punjab PCS 2024 must thoroughly understand the syllabus, which is the foundation for their preparation.

The Punjab PCS Syllabus 2025 released by the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) offers a clear roadmap for aspirants aiming for top administrative positions like SDM, DSP, Tehsildar, and others. A complete understanding of the updated syllabus is crucial for smart preparation. In this blog, we provide a detailed breakdown of the Prelims and Mains syllabus, key highlights, insights, and downloadable PDF resources.

🧾 Punjab PCS 2025 Exam Overview

The Punjab State Civil Services Examination is conducted in three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test (Interview). Each stage tests different abilities – from knowledge and analytical skills to decision-making and leadership qualities.

✅ Preliminary Examination

The Prelims consist of two objective-type papers. Paper I is merit-based, while Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying. Clearing Prelims is mandatory to move to the Mains stage.

• No Negative Marking in Prelims.
• Medium: English and Punjabi.
• Paper II (CSAT) qualifying only. Marks not counted for merit.

✅ Mains Examination

The Mains stage tests candidates through descriptive papers on languages, essay writing, and general studies subjects. All papers except the Punjabi and English language papers are counted towards the final merit.

• Minimum 33% marks required in Punjabi and English Papers (Qualifying).
• Essay + GS I to IV papers are counted for final merit.

✅ Interview (Personality Test)

• Marks: 150
• Tests leadership ability, integrity, awareness, decision-making capacity, and communication skills.

📘 Punjab PCS Prelims Syllabus 2025

The Preliminary stage tests the breadth of knowledge, reasoning skills, and aptitude. Prelims are qualifying in nature and essential to proceed to the Mains.

📄 Paper I – General Studies (200 Marks)

Paper I checks knowledge across general awareness, everyday science, polity, geography, and history, with a special emphasis on Punjab-related topics.

• Everyday Science: States of matter, structure of atom, acids, bases, evolution, human diseases, energy sources, sound, computer basics, information technology.
• Environmental Studies: Ecosystem, climate change, biodiversity, conservation, soil and water conservation, environmental degradation.
• Political Theory and International Order:  Basic concept of freedom, equality, social justice, rights & duties, citizenship, nationalism, secularism etc.  United Nations and its organs/agencies, other international organisations like the World Bank, IMF, WTO, EU, G20, BRICS etc. and their role in the World peace, trade & development.
• Indian Polity: Indian Constitution, governance, public policy, Panchayati Raj institutions.
• History: Ancient India, Medieval India, Modern India, Freedom Struggle, World History (Renaissance, American Revolution, French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, World Wars).
• Indian Economy: Economic planning, liberalization, public sector reforms, challenges like poverty, unemployment, inflation.
• Geography: Physical and economic geography of India and the world, climate, natural resources, agriculture, population, migration, urbanization, industrialization, international trade.
• Current Events: National and International importance.
• Punjab Specific Topics: History, culture, society, polity, economy, geography, important developments and current issues.
• Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability: Problem-solving, data interpretation, analytical reasoning.

📄 Paper II – CSAT (Qualifying – 200 Marks)

Paper II tests aptitude skills, including comprehension, logical thinking, and basic numeracy. This paper is qualifying, requiring 40% marks.

• Comprehension (English and Punjabi)
• Interpersonal Skills and Communication
• Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
• Decision Making and Problem Solving
• Basic Numeracy (Class 10 level – numbers, averages, percentages)
• Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs, Charts, Data Sufficiency)

Note: Only Paper I marks are used for Prelims merit list. CSAT is qualifying only.

📚 Punjab PCS Mains Syllabus 2025

The Mains syllabus is extensive and designed to test candidates' intellectual depth, analytical ability, language skills, and ethical understanding. Punjabi and English papers are qualifying; the rest contribute to the merit list.

📄 Punjabi Language Paper (100 Marks – Qualifying)

• Essay Writing in Punjabi
• Translation (English to Punjabi and Punjabi to English)
• Language Usage and Grammar

📄 English Language Paper (100 Marks – Qualifying)

• Essay Writing
• Precis Writing
• Comprehension
• Language Usage and Vocabulary

📄 Essay Paper (150 Marks)

• Three essays on different topics (50 marks each).
• Topics may cover current issues, social development, environment, political affairs, etc.

📄 General Studies Papers

General Studies I – History, Geography and Society (250 Marks)

• History of Modern India, Freedom Struggle
• Punjab History and Culture
• World History
• Society and Social Justice Issues
• Geography of Punjab, India, and World

General Studies II – Governance, Polity and International Relations (250 Marks)

• Indian Constitution and Political System
• Governance and Social Welfare
• International Relations and Organizations

General Studies III – Economy, Statistics, Security (250 Marks)

• Indian Economy, Planning, Budgeting
• Punjab Economy – Challenges and Reforms
• Statistics and Basic Data Analysis
• Internal Security and Disaster Management (Punjab focus too)

General Studies IV – Science & Technology, Environment, Problem Solving (250 Marks)

• Scientific Developments and Innovations
• Environmental Challenges and Climate Change
• Decision Making, Case Studies, Problem Solving Situations

🗺️ Punjab-Specific Topics in PCS Syllabus

Punjab PCS syllabus gives special focus to Punjab's history, geography, society, economy, and governance to test the aspirant's understanding of the state’s unique issues and context.

• Freedom Movement in Punjab and important personalities
• Punjabi Culture, Literature, Festivals
• Socio-economic issues and Agriculture in Punjab
• Industrial development and Demographic challenges
• Punjab’s Political Structure and Administrative Setup

🔍 Punjab PCS Prelims vs UPSC Prelims Syllabus – Key Differences

There are two key differences:

• Punjab GK: Punjab PCS Prelims includes a dedicated focus on Punjab-specific General Knowledge (History, Culture, Geography, Economy), which is absent in UPSC.

• Political Theory and International Order: Punjab PCS uniquely mentions Political Theory concepts separately in Prelims, making it a slight addition compared to UPSC.

• World History:

  • Punjab PCS: World History topics like Renaissance, Industrial Revolution, etc. are included in Prelims.

  • UPSC: World History is NOT asked in Prelims; it is part of the UPSC Mains GS-1 syllabus only.

Also, in Punjab PCS, there is no separate focus on South Indian history as seen sometimes in UPSC.

Conclusion:
➡️ 80-90% syllabus overlap between Punjab PCS and UPSC Prelims.
➡️ Punjab GK , Political Theory and world History are the extra areas Punjab PCS aspirants must cover carefully.

🔍 Punjab PCS Mains vs UPSC Mains Syllabus – Key Differences

📥 Punjab PCS Syllabus PDF Download

Download Full Punjab PCS Syllabus 2025 PDF Here

❓ FAQs – Punjab PCS Syllabus 2025